Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all! I have an Anaconda question for whoever knows the answer. How many species (or maybe better said, Subspecies) of Anacondas are there? If my memory serves me correctly, I thought there where four. What are the common (and scientific, if you know them) names of the different species/subspecies? The only ones that I am aware of are the Yellow and the Green. Does any one have pics of the different types? Thanks!

There are four (4) species of anaconda and zero (0) subspecies.

Eunectes murinus (green anaconda) http://anakondas.de/cms/upload/galerie/art/murinus.jpg

Eunectes beniensis (beni anaconda was a common name but as far as I know there really isn't an accepted common name for this animal)
http://anakondas.de/cms/upload/galerie/bolivien/bolivien2_08.jpg

Eunectes deschauenseei (also no good common name but sometimes called "blotched" anaconda and was called morajo island anaconda before its range was found more widespread)
http://anakondas.de/cms/upload/galerie/marajo/marajo1_12.jpg

Eunectes notaeus (yellow anaconda)
http://www.anakondas.de/cms/upload/galerie/art/notaeus.jpg

All these photos are from Lutz Dirksen;s website.

Thanks a ton for the VERY descriptive answer! By the way, what makes a snake a subspecies or a species?

Nathan

I’m no expert but I can give you some generalities. The definition of a species is fairly complicated and is something that not all taxonomists are in agreement with. In an extremely general sense, it is a genetically similar population of organisms that are readily capable of interbreeding. Additionally, anatomical and genetic characteristics both play a role in the inclusion of organisms within a species classification. The use of DNA analysis has become very important in this regard.
Subspecies usually come about when groups of the same species become geographically isolated and develop their own set of anatomical and/or genetic characteristics. The gene flow between these populations is extremely small or non-existent. However, the differences have not become too divergent, and the subspecies would be capable of readily interbreeding and forming a common gene pool again if the geographical barrier was somehow removed. Like I said, this is extremely general and you might want to ask an expert to get a more detailed answer.

Kelly